Tech Scout

About the Position

Defence Builder is a full-cycle defence-tech ecosystem that helps promising technology companies move from a working prototype to an operationally validated, market-ready product. We are looking for a Tech Scout to build and own Defence Builder’s technology scouting function, from defining the scouting approach and evaluation framework to developing a strong pipeline of defence and dual-use companies in Ukraine and internationally.

About the Role

The Tech Scout will be the internal owner of technology scouting at Defence Builder and a key contributor to decisions about which companies enter the accelerator pipeline. You will have the autonomy to shape the function while taking end-to-end responsibility for the quality and performance of the scouting pipeline.

Responsibilities

• Build and own Defence Builder’s technology scouting system end-to-end, including sourcing strategy, assessment criteria, pipeline stages, tools, reporting, and handover into the accelerator’s selection and programme processes.
• Define and continuously refine scouting priorities in alignment with the accelerator’s objectives, while remaining accountable for pipeline quality and execution.
• Identify promising defence and dual-use startups, technology companies, engineering teams, and emerging solutions in Ukraine and internationally.
• Monitor the technology market, relevant programmes, conferences, professional communities, and other sources of new opportunities.
• Conduct initial meetings with founders and technical teams.
• Assess technology maturity, team capability, operational relevance, potential military applications, and scalability.
• Prepare concise, structured company profiles and recommendations for further review.
• Maintain the accelerator’s pipeline of prospective companies, including materials, statuses, communication history, and next steps.
• Engage internal and external experts in the assessment of selected technologies.
• Support the organisation of product demonstrations, testing, and interaction between companies and potential military end users.
• Participate in relevant defence-tech events, develop a professional network, and represent Defence Builder Accelerator.

Requirements

• Understands modern technologies and can quickly assess unfamiliar products and technical concepts.
• Is comfortable building a function from first principles, making decisions with incomplete information, and taking responsibility for outcomes.
• Can evaluate the substance of a technology beyond the quality of its presentation.
• Understands the needs of military end users or has experience working with Defence Forces units.
• Can communicate effectively with founders, engineers, military users, and domain experts.
• Can structure large amounts of information and produce clear, evidence-based conclusions.
• Takes a systematic approach to communication, pipeline management, and follow-up.
• Has sufficient English proficiency to work with international companies and partners.
• Handles confidential and operationally sensitive information responsibly.

Nice to Have

• Experience with UAVs, ground robotics, communications, electronic warfare, sensors, artificial intelligence, or other defence-tech domains.

We Offer

• The opportunity to work with technologies that directly strengthen Ukraine’s defence capabilities.
• Meaningful influence over which companies and products receive support from the accelerator.
• Knowledge sharing and market insights on the Ukrainian Defence Tech Market.
• Access to a network of technology companies, military users, experts, partners, and investors.
• A clear mandate and the autonomy to build Defence Builder’s technology scouting function from the ground up, with support from the accelerator team and relevant domain experts.
• Professional development within the Ukrainian and international defence-tech ecosystem, personal career development and growth.

About the Company

Defence Builder is a full-cycle defence-tech ecosystem that helps promising technology companies move from a working prototype to an operationally validated, market-ready product. Through our accelerator, teams receive access to technical and business expertise, military users, testing opportunities, partners, and investors.